Fierce and feisty

To the Ministry

Hermione woke up warm and cozy. The light was streaming in from the other window, which was probably the cause of her waking up. She ran a hand over her face and hair, yawning happily as she stretched herself. She focused her eyes to find a pair of grey orbs watching her. Malfoy. Wait. Malfoy? She looked around to find herself on the couch. Oh yes! Last night she must have not moved. Her gaze landed back on Malfoy to find his lips twitched in amusement.

"Morning to you too, Granger," she heard him say as he sat in a green armchair, in a crisp white shirt and black pants. He held a black mug in one hand, as the aroma of coffee spread in the room. But surprisingly enough, another powerful smell was stronger and more pleasant to her. Ignoring these distractions, Hermione raised an eyebrow as he smirked, "I hope you had a very comfortable night all warm and cozy and smelling nice."

"Where are you exactly going with all of this, Malfoy?"

"Oh nothing. Just telling you, you look absolutely endearing this morning, what with rebelling so fiercely against your own house. Just sit today at the Slytherin table and I am willing to-"

"WHAT? What are you on about? I am not rebelling against my house, excuse me-"

"Oh?" Draco raised an eyebrow,"So these actions are to gain my attention, I guess? Quite fast, after what happened with the Weasel. Well, believe me, you're doing a wonderful job of attracting me." He leaned forward putting two slender fingers beneath her chin and lifting her face up. She angrily smacked his hand away.

"How do you know about Ronald? Except the fact that I know, you doofus, that you read my letter. Couldn't keep your hands to yourself?" She spat. As Draco smirked wider and opened his mouth to say something crude, she quickly cut him off, "No, don't answer that. It was a rhetorical question. Anyways, WHAT exactly makes you say I am doing something as disgusting as trying to gain your attention?"

Draco sipped his coffee. "Well, even a moron could decipher that from your excellent choice of clothes." Hermione looked down to her top and gaped. As the horrified woman in front of him mulled over things, he continued, "I never thought you would steal things, especially from a Slytherin such as me, though I have to admit, your dressing sense has improved a lot in one day-

"I did NOT steal this! I don't even know how I am wearing this!" Hermione yelled. Draco watched in amusement as her eyes widened with realization, "Oh no. No, no, no. It could be when I Accioed for my sweater and yours was lying right here on the couch and it was nearer so-"

She stopped her ramble when he pulled himself closer to her. Her breath hitched and she shut her mouth as he murmured in her ear, "Well anyway, darling, keep it for sometime. I like green on you. You look absolutely ravishing."

Hermione felt hot. She closed her eyes and calmed her racing heartbeat down. She opened her eyes to find him gone, his black mug resting on the common room table. She sighed as she got up to get ready for breakfast.

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Hermione walked into the Great Hall, heading straight to the Gryffindor table. Ginny was looking straight at her. Hermione knew she had to tell Ginny everything, she hoped somehow Merlin would make it easier.

"Morning, Hermione," Ginny smiled weakly. Hermione managed a small grin back. "How did it go yesterday? When Harry and I returned you were not there and Ron was..." She trailed off.

"I am not sorry for what I did to Ron. The idiot deserved it." When Ginny interrogating eyebrow, Hermione told her the whole conversation.

"He said THAT? And to think I let Harry help him up! I should have broken his bones, boiled him in a cauldron, sent bats over him, kicke-" Hermione stopped the fun, tortuous rant and smiled sadly.

"To think it had to end like this. Anyways, how's Harry? I am sorry I didn't come to meet you guys. Is he still here?"

"Hey, it's fine. I am positive he'll understand. He says they'll be coming back in another week or so. He is hoping McGonagall will let him attend one of the Hogwarts Quidditch matches. And lucky him, I think it's going to be a Gryffindor-Slytherin one! I can't wait to beat Zabini's team this year! Oh yes I will-"

Ginny stopped when she saw Hermione's bored expression. Hermione smiled politely as to say you-know-I-am-not-into-quidditch, but still asked, "When is your match with Hufflepuff?"

Ginny squealed, "Day after! Then there is Slytherin versus Ravenclaw on Friday."

Hermione smiled, "Looks like you are going to take me to watch, yes?" She sighed as Ginny nodded. "I am going to the Ministry today, if McGonagall allows me. Going to see what to do about my parents."

"Of course she'll allow you. You have been waiting for this news for such a long time, and besides, you're a War hero," Ginny said as Hermione got up and hesitantly approached the High Table where the Headmistress sat, talking to other professors.

"Miss Granger, my dear. How can I help you this morning?"Professor McGonagall smiled at her in recognition. Hermione nodded slightly and handed her the letter. She watched as McGonagall's eyes widened as she went through the contents of the letter. She got up and gestured the Head Girl to follow her.

As soon as they were outside the Great Hall, the Headmistress cast a quick Muffliato around them so that they could not be heard.

"I presume you are requesting for my permission to go see them at the Ministry?"

"Yes, professor. I wish to first see what is actually going on, for the letter does not mention many details-"

McGonagall cut her off, "I understand Miss Granger. You may use the fireplace in your dorm to floo to the Ministry. I must, however, demand that you leave now and return by 6 in the evening. The Floo Powder will be there when you reach your dorm. Just, try to steer clear from young Mr. Malfoy. Otherwise, I my best wishes are with you and I hope everything will go all right."

Hermione's eyes were slightly damp from hearing such compassionate words that she smiled at the Headmistress gratefully and gave her a small hug. She quickly composed herself and with one last nod, set off towards the Head Dorms. McGonagall smiled to herself as she saw the young girl rush. They did not notice however, the young man lurking behind the corridor.